August 2012

August 30, 2012

Happy 50th to my friend Melissa Frances! We're celebrating her life over on the Melissa Frances blog and what better way to celebrate than leaving your birthday wish for her and entering to win a fabulous prize package to boot!

Design Team members past and present along with friends of Melissa Frances have created special projects just for her...you'll not want to miss all of the beautiful things posted on the blog there as well.

I created a gift pouch using plenty of soft, shabby, and irresistible Melissa Frances products...my favorite at the moment being the resin cherub embellishments that I painted with Ballet Slipper and Catalina Mist Krylon paint and then aged and antiqued with Glimmer Mist...so fun to watch them transform.

To be eligible for the giveaway, you must post before 9AM PST on Tuesday, September 4th. On Sept. 4th a randomly selected winner will receive a goodie box full of $100 worth of gorgeous Melissa Frances products.

But, wait, that's not all. Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine has graciously offered to add a one year subscription to their publication to the lucky winner.

Happy Birthday Melissa! Thank you for all you do and best of luck to each of you!

August 29, 2012

My favorite time of the day, one of them I should say as I have many, is just as the sun is coming up. I've been getting up early each morning for a couple of years now to head out into the hills and run. I have come to love, love, love this part of my day...I crave it and it provides me with a clear head and focus. My husband started joining me on my run about 6 months ago or so and I love it even more now. This morning, the alarm went off at 6 and we were off, beating the sun and getting to see the it start rising above the mountains. It was the most glorious color of pink, from pale pink shades to bright coral...I always consider beauty like this, little miracles and signs that we are being thought of from above.

Some mornings my husband and I talk the whole way while huffing and puffing along, some mornings we run in silence, both lost in out thoughts of what the day will bring or just enjoying the early morning, sometimes he pesters and teases me the whole way, sometimes I get him back, sometimes we race...sometimes I let him win, ha, even though he is like a freight train and can kick my hiney any day. It's so fun to start the day out this way. Puts a smile on my face from the beginning.

Today's card was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there. Are you beginning to catch on to my love of Basic Grey Paper House and Clippings :) Can't get enough of these two lines...they're just fun to use and fiddle around with.

Still haven't had enough zucchini bread, so today I must try these! Zucchini Bread Cupcakes from Mommy I'm Hungry...don't you love that name? I hear that multiple times each day... :)

August 28, 2012

This week, the Vintage Cafe Card Challenge blog has "travel" in the spotlight. It was fun to shuffle through my trinket stash to find an image of a vintage hot air balloon that I wanted to use on my card along with with shabby, beautiful pastel map patterned paper. A challenge is always welcome here as it pushes me in directions I normally wouldn't go, and I always enjoy the process.

I have an area in my craft room where I keep some of my most favorite one-of-a-kind pieces and find that I rarely use them, but couldn't resist using this fabric remnant with the sweetest crocheted border. Also, a large metal rimmed tea-stained circle tag that my friend Mish packed up and sent my way many months ago...both were just the right touch.

Some Studio Calico die cut clouds that I distressed and added glitter to along with Basic Grey Clippings chipboard letters and layers of die cut flowers topped with a painted and distressed Maya Road wooden button. Layers are so much fun to work with...gives me a way to incorporate so many of my favorite things onto one very small canvas.

August 26, 2012

Life's journey....how I love it and am so thankful for it. I have been blessed beyond measure to meet wonderful, loving individuals along my way who help me, pick me up when I fall, brush me off, calm my fears, and give me strength. I know that there are angels seen and unseen here upon the earth, sent to help me, you, each of us as we go about our days.

Thank you for your notes of encouragement...I feel selfish in the fact that I was sharing my story with the hope that maybe I could help someone who may read my blog, but you have been the ones to help me and I am so thankful to you. It seems that with the start of this school year, I have been feeling the empty-nest syndrome as my little one is gone from me for the majority of each day. This is nothing new as she's been in school now for 4 years, but for some reason this year hit especially hard. As mothers it seems that our identity, our purpose, and fulfillment come from taking care of other little souls, creating a home for them, and tending to all of their needs. All of the sudden, my home became empty and my little one gone from me, and I didn't know what my purpose was anymore. And, from those feelings of confusion came a whole onslaught of other feelings, which I recognize and have put in their proper place.

I will find my way....onto the next chapter, the next season of life, and I will find joy in the journey, and will expand my circle of love and make sure that it continues to grow and extend to those who are waiting.

I don't know if any of that makes sense...but, it makes perfect sense to me and writing it down helps. Today has been a wonderful day filled with uplifting experiences and messages and I know I am loved and not alone in how I feel. One thing I am most thankful for is to have the opportunity to feel and experience the incredible love I have for my little one and husband. That in itself is such a gift. To give love and get it back is such a joy. And, one day my little girl will read my thoughts and hopefully come to understand my love for her....the love that could never, ever end, the love that fills my days and nights, and that is indescribable. I know she'll feel that very same love for her own little ones some day too.

Today's cards are what happens when I dig in and just create for me and let it all come spilling out...yikes :) It felt so good. I'm going to do it again.

August 24, 2012

It doesn't take much to get me excited for fall. My very most favorite time of year and lately I have felt it in the air and smelled it floating on the breeze in the evenings. I've been baking muffins and making soups and those things always seem to bring fall on even it it's just in my mind :)

The Harvest Lane line from Simple Stories is my most favorite autumn-ish collection with warm and cozy colors and patterns and while I had muffins in the oven this morning, I pulled out supplies and set to work creating a couple of cards.

Both of these cards use Maya Road chipboard as well as tea stained tags, trim, and scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot.

I used some of the fun patterned paper from Harvest Lane and die cut acorns using my Autumn Acorns Papertrey Ink die, Classic Kraft, Simply Chartreuse, and Ocean Tides felt.

So how about you? Do you love to hang onto summer and savor it until it's gone, or wish it away and hope for fall to come quickly? I don't want it to come too quickly, but I will certainly be enjoying it before, during, and after it has come and gone.

I think you should treat yourself to some Harvest Lane...you'll love every last scrap of it!

Today I feel like telling you of my struggles. I have a feeling your struggles are the same as mine. I have a problem with being very hard on myself. Always finding fault with myself, focusing non-stop on my imperfections, mommy guilt that is a part of me seems to never end, and the list goes on. Maybe it's because I now have more time to think that suddenly I am my own worst enemy...instead of being my own best friend. I can see so much good in others, yet when it comes to finding my own worth, I think there is none. I strive and expect perfection in myself...but can't see the sweet and wonderful qualities I have been given because I am always thinking I should be more...do more...and be like someone else. It's tiring and I have needed a kick in the rear and am giving myself one :) Today as I knelt for prayers with my little one, another negative thought about myself crossed my mind and I was reminded of something I read...something my brother wrote HERE. Basically, my negative thoughts regarding myself far outweigh the positive and it isn't good for me, for you, for anyone. This realization comes at a time when I need it so much. I have felt the heaviness inside and it leads me nowhere but down and nothing good can come from not loving and accepting myself. So easy to say, isn't it, but hard to put into practice, but that's just what I'm going to do and I will continue to remind myself to STOP IT! I need to grow up! :) How about you? Is it something we all struggle with, and why is it so difficult to love who we are?

Another wonderful and inspiring individual is Holly Gerth. A sweet reader of mine directed me to her site a few months back and I love the feeling I get when I take the time to read the uplifting messages left there.

Hope you know you are loved...you have a special purpose, are unique, and wonderful, and special to so many!

August 22, 2012

Adjusting to the new normal, the new routine, enjoying the cool, fall-ish weather, the low clouds, the rain and moisture, catching up on the unimportant items I set aside during summer, and so happy that I did so, thinking of her throughout the day, wishing her happiness and joy and laughter today.

There are always beautiful projects ready to inspire you on the Melissa Frances blog if you're in need of a jump start. Some days it's hard for me to feel creative, but today, the beautiful products certainly pulled me out of my slump...yep, I get in a creative rut too from time to time :)

My little bean will need a treat when she gets home from school today and I have big, green zucchini squash coming out my ears. Time to pull out my favorite Zucchini Orange Bread recipe.

Beat eggs. Add sugar, oil, juice, zest, and zucchini. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to zucchini mixture. Mix well. Place in two greased 8×4 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. In a bowl, stir together powdered sugar and just enough orange juice to make a glaze. Drizzle over bread when cool.

August 20, 2012

**Edited to add fabric information. I used Moda Sophie and Domestic Bliss fabrics. I purchased both Charm Packs at Ready2Quilt etsy shop.

I don't want to talk about it....I have the first day of school blues. I've had them for a couple of weeks now, hoping that when today came, I'd be prepared to deal with my empty house and heart, and so far, OK. One day at a time.

I created these tag pockets for the beautiful color challenge posted at Emma's Paperie.

Lots of fun little details and embellishments. Basic Grey and Studio Calico supplies used throughout along with some May Arts burlap wired ribbon and Inkadinkado stamps.

I covered Maya Road Mixed Scallop Mini Chipboard Pendant Banners with washi tape in a couple of different patterns and love how they turned out. Using washi tape on chipboard is a quick and easy way to dress up chipboard vs. covering it in paper. After I applied the washi, I distressed the edges with sandpaper and distress ink, just like I would with paper and then added a light coating of glitter. I love the effect and how it alters the look just a bit.

For this card I used Freckled Fawn's Chevron Mint and Music Note washi...both are currently sold out, but here are a couple of others I am excited to try on a similar card:

August 16, 2012

Freckled Fawn's August ohDEERme kit is so much fun! It's filled with lots of unique and fun little treasures for you to create with and reminds me of an adventure waiting to happen. Here are my projects using this kit.

Sweetest stitched felt balloon ever is included in this kit. It is from Dogwood Corner.

Fun Chipboard Alpha Tags are included in the kit too. The fun vintage Baker's Twine and Vanilla Bean scrunched seam binding are from Craft Spot, not included in the kit, just extra that I added.

Button from Buttons & Badges. These are the cutest things in the world...you get a variety of images in your kit.

August 15, 2012

Well, here I am again with more Papertrey Ink projects for you. I'm able to share with you the remaining projects created with the new release sets....all products will be available at 10 P.M. MST on August 15th! This first card uses the new Framed Out #7 stamp set and coordinating die along with the Happy Hexagons set and Cover Plate: Hexagon die.

Next we have the new Heart-2-Heart #7 set and coordinating die. I love these sweet sets and the fact that they are only $5.00 makes them even more lovable, don't you think?

This set has quickly become one of my most favorites...Foodie Fun with coordinating dies. The images are just sweet and the sentiments are completely fun and unique.

Lastly, the new Counting My Blessings set with coordinating die along with the new Sunflower Bouquet and Thanks All Ways are all used on this card. I love how easily Papertrey Ink sets can be combines and interchanged to fit each need.

I had so much fun creating this month...from fall-ish projects, to spooky sweets, to all occasion. So, what will you choose? Happy shopping and thank you for each visit! I have complete supply lists ready below and please send me a message if you have any questions. And, remember to stop by and visit the other Papertrey Ink designers as they've posted their projects for you too!

August 14, 2012

Creating teacher gifts and cards takes on a whole new meaning as I see my little one blossom and grow in amazing ways with each new teacher she has. I am so thankful for them and for the way they love and teach her. The new Teach & Inspire stamp set is just as special as all of those amazing teachers we've all encountered throughout our lives. Today the Papertrey Ink team is highlighting this new set, so let's get started.

This first project is a mini file folder created from Kraft cardstock and the Edgers #5 die collection. I stapled the sides to form a pocket where I could stash some fun treats Sierra made just for her teacher....you'll love them...she loves them. Keep reading :)

I stamped the sentiment in True Black ink and embellished the front of the file folder with patterned paper, Harvest Gold Swiss Dot, die cut flowers, Simply Chartreuse felt, and a die cut, stamped apple...both from the new Teach & Inspire stamp set. The apple is stamped in Pure Poppy and New Leaf ink and was cut from Kraft cardstock.

The sentiments in this set just shine...I love them. I die cut glitter tape from Freckled Fawn to dress up the file folder tab a bit and added a stamped Tiny Tag and metal paper clip.

I filled small glassine bags with Sierra's handmade treats and slipped them inside the file folder. A couple of tags were created to embellish the bags a bit. One uses the Teacher's Apple coordinating die used before and the second uses the Tiny Tag die.

Oh, and here are her little masterpieces! We melted down some of her old crayons to form heart-shaped crayons. I think they're darling. I found that by keeping the colors in the same color group made for much cuter hearts...too many colors mixed together and the hearts turned out brownish, blackish. If you want to try some on your own, just break crayons into small pieces (I used scissors and it made it so much easier) then drop the pieces into silicone heart shaped muffin tins, pop them in the oven at 250 degrees for about 10 minutes. Cool them for about 10 minutes and then place them in the freezer for another 5 minutes.

Next up is a card which uses several images from this set. I began with the stamped images across the bottom in Harvest Gold and Spring Moss. Background Basics: Herringbone was stamped across the top in Spring Moss.

Next came the Fabulous Frame die cut from denim paper and matted onto patterned paper. The tree is stamped in Classic Kraft, Harvest Gold, and Pure Poppy, with the sentiment stamped in Dark Chocolate. The banner across the bottom was created with the Tiny Tags die, Modern Alphabet Lower, and images from this fun set.

A teacher name tag peeks up from the top and a bit of washi tape from Freckled Fawn secures the corners.

August 13, 2012

Halloween is right up there at the top of my list of holidays I most enjoy creating for...it's such a playful holiday and I love indulging in the fun associated with it from creepy to spooky, to sweet and funny. Our first group post as a Papertrey Ink team is loaded with Halloween inspiration for you as three new sets will be highlighted by each of us.

This first card uses the new Mr. Bones stamp set and coordinating dies...IRRESISTIBLE I tell you! I first started with a Canyon Clay cardstock base and added patterned paper across the bottom. I die cut the web, skeleton, pumpkin, and tag from Rustic Cream cardstock and stamped the images in True Black and Orange Zest.

I used the Favor It Box 6 die and trimmed off the sides and bottom in order to use only the front. The Shape Up Series: Pumpkin die was used to die cut the eyes and mouth from Vintage Cream felt and I added a bit of handstitching to the felt just to add a bit of character. Before adhering the pumpkin to the card, I added Mr. Bones to the inside of the bucket. The sentiment was stamped to a Tiny Tag and secured with Orange Zest Saddle Stitched ribbon and a second sentiment was stamped in Watermark ink near the upper left corner to finish it off.

I created this tag using the new Happy Haunting set....such a fun set to get crafty with and perfect for children as well as they can build their own monsters! I began with Royal Velvet Stripe and Orange Zest Polka dot paper die cut using Mat Stack 3 and Mega Mat Stack 3 dies.

My monster was cut from Dotty Biscotti paper and stamped in Classic Kraft and True Black ink and was bottled up inside a jar die cut using the Friendship Jar Summer Fillers die. I created a little hocus pocus magic coming out of the jar using the Super Stars stamp set and a bit of glitter.

Another new addition this release is the Spider Web Trio die set...oh, you'll love these dies. I used the smallest web on this tag and embellished the center with a lavender gem. Hibiscus Burst and Simply Chartreuse felt stars were cut using the Seeing Stars die and embellished with buttons and the tag was finished off the a sentiment from the stamp set and Orange Zest Grosgrain. I attached it to a Small Frosted Tin Tie Bag.

Tremendous Treat lovers BEWARE! You'll love the new Tremendous Treats: Halloween set... I sure do. One of my favorite images from the set is the cauldron, so I've used it on this Small White Gable Box.

I created a banner by using the Double Ended Banner Die stamped with the sentiment from the set and folded over a vintage black pearl trinket pin tucked inside a tulle bow.

A double layer of die cut spider webs became my base for layering on the cauldron and were cut from white cardstock and Smokey Shadow Bitty Dot. The image was stamped in True Black on white cardstock and then once more on Canyon Clay cardstock which I cut out and adhered to the original image. The magic potion was dressed up a bit with glitter. A strip of Orange Zest Gingham was die cut using the Super Star Border die and was adhered across the bottom of the box and topped with Orange Zest and Plum Pudding Buttons.

So.....ready to bring on Halloween? May as well enjoy it as we have 2 1/2 months to enjoy creating for it :)

The other Papertrey Ink designers have projects just waiting for you to soak in:

August 12, 2012

Hi there! What a pitiful blogger I've turned out to be lately. Summer is on its last leg so I'm trying to soak up every last lazy day with my little girl before she heads back to school. Today I bring you introductions to a few of Papertrey Ink's newest sets, all available to purchase at 10pm Eastern time on August 15th, 2012.

I LOVE the sweet new Autumn Hills set...kind of feel like it was made just for me as its focus is on the country, farmhouses, pumpkins on porches, and autumn leaves. All things I love of course and look forward to welcoming each fall.

This first card's focus is on an autumn birthday and uses a Rustic Cream cardstock base that has been stamped in Sweet Blush with the new Background Basics: Herringbone stamp set. I stamped the trees and sentiment directly on top of the background using Autumn Rose ink with the pumpkins stamped in Melon Berry. I love this combination of colors and that it adds a different twist to the traditional fall colors.

I added some color to the leaves by using a few Copic markers and then added a trim of Melon Berry Gingham paper die cut using the Small Scalloped Border die. Layers of felt flowers in Vintage Cream, Melon Berry, and Autumn Rose were added last with Autumn Rose Saddle stitched ribbon used as leaves.

This next card uses the Think Big Favorites #19 set, which I think is so beautiful. I love that it has been paired with a beautiful frame and perfect sentiments for this time of year and others. Other new additions here are the Shape Up Series: Pumpkin dies...definite must haves and love at first sight kind of dies I tell you! I used both dies on this card, one being the solid background which was cut from Rustic Cream cardstock and embossed using the new Herringbone Impression Plate. The other layer is the negative space left from the sectioned die. I used Dotty Biscotti patterned paper and just adhered the negative cut over the solid base and trimmed off the excess.

The sentiment was stamped in Ripe Avocado ink, the frame in Dark Chocolate, and the pumpkins from the Autumn Hills set stamped in Orange Zest. The Limitless Layers 2 1/2" Circle die collection fits this frame and sentiment perfectly. The card was finished by adding buttons in Ripe Avocado.

I woke up early this morning to make some Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for my little family and before it disappeared, wrapped up a mini loaf to share with you using both the Autumn Hills and Think Big Favorites #19 stamp sets.

Dotty Biscotti paper was used once again on this project along with the Mega Mat Stack 2 die, cut from Kraft cardstock and stamped in Pure Poppy using the frame from the Think Big Favorites #19 set.

The next layer uses the Mat Stack 4 die cut from patterned paper and is topped with an image from the Autumn Hills set stamped in Dark Chocolate and colored in a bit using Copic Markers. I stamped "Enjoy" across the top using Classic Kraft ink. Fine Linen Grosgrain and buttons wrap up the bundle and then to finish it all off, a Tiny Tag stamped with another sentiment from the Autumn Hills set and secured with Pure Poppy Baker's Twine.

Lastly, I used the Shape Up Series: Pumpkin B die once again, but cut a variety of patterns and colors in order to form rolling hills where I could perch my farmhouse from the Autumn Hills set. It is stamped in Scarlet Jewel ink with the tree stamped in Orange Zest.

The clouds were die cut from Rustic Cream cardstock using the Heart-2-Heart #6 die collection and were stamped using the Background Basics: Herringbone stamp set in Classic Kraft and are topped with a Vintage Cream button.

The sentiment was stamped in Dark Chocolate ink and a strip of Scarlet Jewel Saddle stitched ribbon finishes it all off!

Thanks so much for visiting me today. Are you ready for fall or blissfully enjoying your last few summer days? Be sure to stop by the following blogs for more introductions to new stamp set and products available from Papertrey Ink.

August 06, 2012

Just popping in for a minute tonight. I have a little time on my hands, waiting for my crew to get home as they've had a daddy/daughter day today. A few months ago, there was a beautiful challenge photo on the Nichole Heady's blog that I just had to try, but never got around to posting.

The colors and patterns are so beautiful and definitely outside of my norm.

I used the Remember stamp set along with Friendship Jar for the sentiment and lots of assorted flower dies such as Notched flowers, Bloom Builders II #1, Flower Fusion #3, etc. The sentiment was stamped on a tag cut using the Tiny Tags die and the scrunched seam binding is Spring Moss from Craft Spot.

And one more, using that same sentiment from Friendship Jar...clearly one of my favorites. This card uses oodles of Maya Road including one of my very most favorite stamp sets, Our Town. I also used a Mini Kraft Jotter tag and a sweet Metal Love Hanger.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Thanks for your visit.

Melis

P.S. Witches Brew Kits are available for preorder in my etsy if you're itching to get started on Halloween!

August 03, 2012

Summer is winding down, I feel it, my Little Bean feels it, and the butterflies are starting to flutter around in her tummy as she gets ready to head back to school. I love listening to her describe her feelings, telling me all about the butterflies and how they fly around inside her tummy and can't decide which side to go on and how she's scared and nervous and excited about so many things all at once. This is a magical age.

This week we learned that she needs glasses. I have never seen anyone so happy to be getting glasses in my entire life. I certainly wasn't happy about getting them when I was her age, but I didn't have cute pink with hearts, and black with flowers, and oodles of other choices to pick from when I needed them oh, so many years ago. :) She can hardly sleep and just about cries because the time isn't passing quickly enough until they're ready....little cutie.

This first card set was created for Emma's Paperie. Our challenge was to use misting of some sort and so I aged Baker's Twine for both of these cards by misting them with Glimmer Mist. I love how easy it was to do and will most certainly by trying it again. I used Clam Bake by Tattered Angels.

I love these sweet seed pockets and stickers from Jenni Bowlin and the photo frames from Heidi Swapp are a new favorite find of mine.

I'm busily packing up scrapbooking/papercrafting care package boxes filled with stamp sets, paper, stickers, chipboard, and embellishments. Each box will be different, each a surprise, each filled to the brim with things I can't use anymore. I'll be listing these care packages in my etsy shop very soon!

Here's a peek at a few of the classes...I've created some fun projects to share with you and you'll find oodles of projects from other designers included as well. So, be sure to check it out!

Before I go, and since we're talking washi today, a quick card to share with you using Freckled Fawn's Heart and Small Tape Measure washi along with tea-stained Moda fabric, Fancy Pants chipboard, American Crafts buttons, Tim Holtz ticket and metal clip, and a Maya Road wooden button paint in Krylon Catalina Mist paint.

Where did July go? Time passes so quickly lately and here we are welcoming August once again. The Sr. Team at Papertrey Ink are revisiting the Leaf Prints stamp set...one of my favorite because of yes, you guessed it, my love of all things autumn. I chose to try and use this set in a couple of non-traditional ways just to trick my own brain in to thinking I didn't have to hide it away and use it only for fall projects and in the months of October and November...I feel so much better now :)

I created a heart shaped wreath wrapped in wired burlap and embellished with die-cut and hand stamped leaves. Some leaves are cut from Vintage Cream felt, others from vellum, a couple from Vintage Cream cardstock and stamped in Sweet Blush with a light dusting of Mica Flakes, and then lastly, a few cut from Dearest Jane patterned paper and embossed in gold.